Tutankhamun's chariots: secret treasures of engineering mechanics

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Tutankhamun‐class chariot is the earliest high‐performance machine, most likely developed via racing and thoughtful mechanistic modelling and testing, and made with exquisite craftsmanship. The complex suspension system of springs and dampers comprises simple elements that are useful by chance, and also some well‐designed and expensive components and subassemblies for advantages in structural dynamics and ride quality. These chariots' spokes and joints have aircraft‐like damage tolerance, and are more sophisticated than those of any veteran car with wooden wheels. A substantially better overall design with the ancient materials of construction is difficult to visualize even if we apply our knowledge and computerized methods. This makes the Egyptian chariot an excellent example of original and advanced design, and a formidable challenge in further engineering investigations aimed at a full understanding of the ancients' achievements.